SHELL ACCIDENT.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3168, 8 April 1871, Page 2

SHELL ACCIDENT.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE INDEPENDENT,

Sir,— l deem it my duty to communicate to the Wellington press the circumstances under which the accident of yesterday occurred, and to express my regret at its having happened, together with my deep thankfulness that the consequences were not worse. A shell was fired from one of the boats of this ship, the officer in charge of the said boat being aware that from the then direction of the target (tho boats being drifted by tho wind, the targot stationery) the projectile must pass in a line much too near tho shore ; but tho shell having been fitted for the shortest distance, ho considered that it would burst long before reaching the shore, and directed that tho shell should be fired. A sudden yaw of the bont at the moment of firing must have thrown tho projectile much to the left of the intended direction, thus landing the shell ; but I am entirely at a loss to account for the late action of tho fu?o.

I have severely consured the officer through whose neglect of all rules this accident occurred. Trusting that you will kindly make this public. — I have, &c, n. Stair, Sandys, Commander Boyal Navy.

H.M.S. Virago, 7th April. [Wo feel sure the officers will add to this handsome apology some compensation for the damage done, and the alarm caused to the inmates of the cottage. Our reporter estimates the damage at a rough guess at about £15, while the feelings of alarm experienced by the inmates (a grandmother, mother, and five young children) can scarcely be imagined — the shell passing underneath the house, and bursting among the kitchen and other domestic utensils kept in the scullery.— [Ed. W. I.]